Okhrey – A Hidden Himalayan Hamlet in Sikkim
Mumbai (Maharashtra) – Bagdogra (West Bengal) – Okhrey (Sikkim)
Where is Okhrey located?
Okhrey is a quiet Himalayan hamlet at an altitude of 7,200 ft, predominantly inhabited by the Sherpa community. It serves as the ideal base for exploring the stunning Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, especially for those who enjoy hiking through forests painted in shades of red and pink during spring.
How to reach here?
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri railway station
- Distance from Bagdogra: 136 km
- Travel Time: Approx. 5 hours by road
The journey by road is scenic and the most convenient way to reach this peaceful mountain retreat.
Best time to visit
Mid-March to May is ideal if you wish to witness rhododendrons in full bloom and enjoy clear hiking trails. Avoid the monsoons, as landslides and heavy rains are common. Autumn and winter offer crisp air and quieter surroundings, though temperatures can dip sharply—especially for those coming from warmer cities like Mumbai.
Weather in the mountains can change without warning. During our visit, the impact of Cyclone Fani—though it had struck Odisha—was felt even here, with gloomy skies and afternoon thunderstorms becoming routine. Pack for all conditions.
What to Do in Okhrey?
The charm of Okhrey lies in its simplicity.
Walk through the village.
Talk to locals.
Savor home-cooked food.
Breathe in pure mountain air.
Climb uphill trails and rediscover your stamina.
It’s less about ticking off attractions and more about slowing down—rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul.
Our Journey Begins
At 9:40 am, we boarded our flight from Mumbai via Delhi to Bagdogra, armed with excitement and a copy of Pyjamas Are Forgiving by Twinkle Khanna—a perfect in-flight companion.
We landed at Bagdogra around 3:40 pm and met our driver, Tashi, who would accompany us throughout our 13-day road trip in a Mahindra Xylo. A Bhutia by descent, he patiently answered our many curious questions about Sikkim’s culture and traditions.
The initial drive through parts of West Bengal felt chaotic and dusty. But as soon as we crossed into Sikkim, the landscape—and the atmosphere—shifted noticeably. After a brief halt near the border and another short break at Jorethang around 8:30 pm, we continued along dark, winding mountain roads.
Driving through the hills at night was both thrilling and intimidating—no streetlights, sharp curves, and a noticeable drop in temperature. By 10:30 pm, we finally reached Okhrey and stopped outside Kyilkhor Homestay.
Mr. Urgen Sherpa welcomed us warmly despite the late hour. Our room was spacious and comforting against the cold mountain air. Though we had already eaten, our hosts had lovingly prepared dinner—so we gratefully shared a simple meal of rice and momos before calling it a night.
Exhausted yet content, we drifted off to sleep—our Himalayan story had just begun.
